Starved Rock – Wildcat Canyon East Platform loop from Starved Rock State Park Visitors Center
Starved Rock – Wildcat Canyon East Platform loop from Starved Rock State Park Visitors Center
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Starved Rock – Wildcat Canyon East Platform loop from Starved Rock State Park Visitors Center
01:45
6.37km
100m
Hiking
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: May 15, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through protected areas
Please check local regulations for:
Starved Rock State Park
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
589 m
Starved Rock Lodge Terrace
Highlight • Mountain Hut
Tip by
673 m
Stairs from Starved Rock Lodge to Visitor Center
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
1.04 km
Starved Rock
Highlight • Natural Monument
The origin of the canyons is due to the flow of melt water from the glacier present in this area about 14,000 to 19,000 years ago.
Tip by
1.52 km
Rock Formation by the Stream
Highlight • Natural Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
2.27 km
Hydroelectric plant
Highlight • Monument
• Type: Gravity dam
• Length: 400 meters
• Height: Up to 10 meters
• Spillway: Controlled, for regulating water discharge
• Lock: Navigation lock measuring 110 x 600 feet for shipping
Translated by Google •
Tip by
3.01 km
Wildcat Canyon East Platform
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
4.44 km
View of the Illinois River
Highlight • Viewpoint
4.52 km
Wildcat Canyon
Highlight • Canyon
• The highest waterfall in the park: approximately 70 feet (21 meters) high
• The deepest canyon: up to 90 feet (27 meters) deep
• Two overlooks at the top of the canyon
Translated by Google •
Tip by
6.37 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
3.55 km
1.74 km
1.06 km
Surfaces
1.95 km
1.74 km
1.47 km
1.03 km
161 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Today
Sunday 28 June
31°C
18°C
13 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 19.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for an accessible yet incredibly scenic hike in Illinois, the Starved Rock – Wildcat Canyon East Platform loop from Starved Rock State Park Visitors Center is an excellent choice. This easy hiking route covers 4.0 miles (6.4 km) with a manageable 337 feet (103 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 1 hours and 44 minutes to complete. It's a high-payoff win for anyone wanting to experience the park's iconic canyons and river views without a strenuous climb.
What to expect on Starved Rock – Wildcat Canyon East Platform loop from Starved Rock State Park Visitors Center
The trail offers a diverse journey through Starved Rock State Park's unique landscape. You'll navigate a mix of natural paths and some partially paved sections, encountering several staircases along the way. The highlight is undoubtedly Wildcat Canyon, home to the park's tallest waterfall at 70 feet and its deepest canyon, approximately 90 feet deep. From the East Platform, you get a fantastic perspective of this impressive feature. You'll also be treated to stunning panoramic views of the Illinois River from overlooks like Beehive, Eagle Cliff, and Lover's Leap, all set against a backdrop of towering sandstone cliffs and lush foliage. While rated easy, proper hiking shoes are recommended due to potentially uneven terrain and muddy spots, especially after rain.
Planning your visit
Starting directly from the Starved Rock State Park Visitors Center, this loop is incredibly accessible, with well-posted maps and directional signs guiding you at trail intersections. For the most dramatic waterfall views, plan your visit after significant rainfall or during the spring snowmelt. Winter offers a different kind of beauty, with opportunities for eagle spotting from overlooks like Eagle Cliff. Remember to wear appropriate footwear to handle the varied terrain and numerous stairs.
Trail details
- Distance: 4.0 miles (6.4 km)
- Elevation gain: 337 feet (103 metres)
- Difficulty: easy
- Estimated time: 1 hours and 44 minutes
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